How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost?

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Introduction

If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea and have finally decided that it’s time to get a good night’s sleep then you’re probably wondering how much a CPAP machine costs. It’s a common questions and the answer varies greatly based on the type of device, the brand, and its features. A general rule of thumb is that a new CPAP machine can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000. The main factor influencing this large price range is the type of machine that you’ll need.

There are several models out there such as the standard CPAP as well as the AutoPAP, BiPAP, and VPAP. In addition to this, once you’ve figured out which type of CPAP is right for you, you’ll have to decide on a number of available upgrades which can boost up the price. Thankfully, there are several ways that you can get a new device while limiting your out-of-pocket expense.

How Do You Get a CPAP Machine?

In order to get a CPAP machine, you first need to be diagnosed with a form of sleep apnea. There are three main types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed sleep apnea which is a combination of both. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is when your airway is blocked while you sleep which prevents the brain from receiving enough oxygen and causes the heart to work harder.

Central sleep apnea involves the brain reducing the body and mind’s desire to breath. Determined which form of apnea you suffer from is important since it will determine the type of CPAP machine required for treatment. In order to get diagnosed, you should contact a doctor who specializes in sleep disorders directly or ask your physician for a referral.

You will likely be given a sleep study which will be conducted either in your home or overnight at a doctor’s office, depending on the practice you’re working with. These studies will monitor you overnight and record the quality of sleep, the number of interruptions you experience, and the source of the sleep disturbances. Once you are diagnosed with a form of sleep apnea, your doctor will discuss methods of treatment and, in most cases, will write you a prescription for a CPAP device.

How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost with Insurance?

Many insurance policies cover CPAP machines since they’re such an effective and popular treatment for sleep apnea and other breathing disorders. While these insurance plans certainly help ease the financial burden, the amount of money you’ll be required to pay out-of-pocket can vary greatly depending on your provider. While some insurances pay for most of the expense for these devices, leaving only a small copay between $100 to $300 for you to cover, other cheaper insurance companies will only pay about 50% of the cost.

This means that for a $1,000 CPAP machine, some of these policies require you to pay $500. Additionally, you need to keep an eye on the medical expense deductibles that your policy requires. Some low-cost insurance policies have fairly high deductibles meaning that, even if they cover CPAP devices, if you haven’t met your deductible yet, they’ll require you to pay that amount out-of-pocket before they cover any costs.

While this can be confusing, by researching your policy’s coverage beforehand, you’ll know what to expect. And with a variety of companies selling CPAP devices online at very fair prices, you can do your research and make sure you are keeping your out-of-pocket costs at a minimum.

How Much Does a CPAP Machine Cost without Insurance?

Without insurance helping with the cost, CPAP machines can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000. The reason for this large gap in prices is due to the fact that there are several models out there. Depending on your diagnosis, your doctor might recommend one of several types of machines such as a CPAP, AutoPap, BiPap, or VPAP.

These machines all vary in price and when you factor in other considerations such as the brand and a number of available upgrades and features, the price can start to climb quickly. That being said, it’s safe to say that on average, a CPAP machine without insurance will run around $800.

Cost of CPAP Machine Rental?

CPAP machines can be rented from various suppliers online. These suppliers also sell replacement parts that you might need after a few months of use such as masks, hoses, and filters. The cost of renting a machine for one or two months might be less than buying a device outright. But at an average rental price of around $250 per month, more than 2 months of use will likely cost more than you would expect to pay to purchase a CPAP machine, particularly if your insurance is going to cover a portion of the purchase price.

While renting a unit is certainly more expensive in the long run. This might be a good option for someone who is thinking about purchasing a CPAP who either doesn’t have insurance coverage or whose insurance isn’t going to help cover much of the purchase. This way you can try out the machine for a month to make sure that you are going to regularly use it before investing in your own CPAP machine.

How to Get a CPAP Machine for Free?

Even if you don’t have insurance or your plan doesn’t cover CPAP machines, there are still ways to get one of these devices for free or for a minimal expense. Many organizations recognize the importance of receiving treatment for OSA and CSA and try to ensure that people who can’t afford a machine can still receive treatment. There are several organizations and programs such as ones run by the American Sleep Apnea Association and The Reggie White Foundation offer CPAP machines to individuals who are under economic hardship.

Some of these organizations provide devices for free, others require donations ranging from around $25 to $150. Simply research “free CPAP machines” online to find a number of organizations who believe that everyone deserves the benefit of CPAP treatment regardless of their present financial situation.

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